WEEKEND WINE PICKS
Aveleda Casal Garcia Vinho Verde N/V, Vinhos Verde, Portugal $11.49 I 87/100
UPC: 5601096208308
Whenever you feel your palate fatiguing, or the weather is too hot, that’s the time to turn to Casal Garcia. Expect a light frizzante palate, awash in citrus blossoms, green apples and enticing hints of lees. The attack is equally fresh and juicy watery with pear skin, lemon, lees, quince and green apple. Light, delicate, juicy and fresh for any occasion where fun is to be had. Super value.
St. Hubertus Pinot Blanc 2016, Okanagan Valley, $13.49 I 88/100
UPC: 00625259102062
This is a brighter, lighter “Riesling ” version of Pinot Blanc. Here apple, lemon and peach aromas spill onto a juicy palate where sweet, ripe fruit breaks through before the acidity reins it back in at the finish. The lean bright Gebert family style has waited decades for consumers to catch up, but now is their time. The family planted the vines back in 1987 and they are only just getting started at 30 years plus to show their stuff. Real wine, good value too.
Quails’ Gate Gewurztraminer Orchard Block 2017, Okanagan Valley, $21.99 I 90/100
UPC: 778856417067 Orchard Block is a different kind of Gewurztraminer. The textures are soft and creamy but not sweet. The entry is linear with a lovely lime undercurrent and a lean style. It’s the delicacy that makes this so attractive and the almost watery texture that keeps you coming back to the glass for more. The source is old 1989 plantings with bright pear, delicate rosewater and a dusting of ginger. A delight to drink and 100 per cent Okanagan.
La Condamine Paulignan 2015, Minervois, Languedoc, France $22.99 I 90/100
UPC: 3760102322918 Chateau de la Negly owner Jean Paux-Rosset and his consulting winemaker Claude Gros work together to make this wine, using some of the best grape growers of Minervois. The mix is Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Cinsault, all grown on the clay limestone terroir of Siran and La Liviniere, and it over-delivers right from the glass. The nose has an amazingly fragrant floral note previewing red and black fruits with a peppery undertone. There is a bit of tannin yet to be dispersed, but it will be well worth the wait. Real wine and solid value by B.C. pricing standards.
Finca El Encinal Crianza 2016, Ribera del Duero, Castilla-Leon, Spain
$25.99 I 89/100
UPC: 8410423000303
This wine is classic Ribera del Duero, offering up earthy black fruits, dark chocolate, stony mineral undertone and baking spice. Post-fermentation, the wine spends a year in medium toast American oak. At this point the oak is more prevalent, but there is a good measure of fruit as well. A Tempranillo with power and energy you can drink now. Think grilled lamb chops.